Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu are the two most reproduced images of Peru, and Peruways runs trips that cover both — usually across a 4–5 day base from Cusco, with a day for acclimatisation.
Vinicunca (the Rainbow Mountain) at 5,200m is the altitude side of the trip. The drive from Cusco is about three hours each way; the hike runs 6 km round trip. The striping comes from iron oxide and mineral deposits in sedimentary layers tilted vertical by Andean uplift.
Machu Picchu is the Sacred Valley side. Through Peruways you take the train from Ollantaytambo down the Vilcanota gorge to Aguas Calientes, then the Consettur shuttle up to the citadel. A licensed guide covers the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Royal Tomb, and the agricultural terraces.
Combining both in one trip means Cusco acclimatisation first (two days), then Rainbow Mountain, then Machu Picchu — in that order, because Machu Picchu at 2,430m is lower and less demanding on the body.
Book the combined trip at Peruways.
